Overnight (A Sofia The First story)

Prologue

Once upon a time brave king, Roland II ruled the peaceful land of Enchancia with his wise wife at his side. Throughout all the land, peace and compassion shined through the respected king and queen. When the time came, the kingdom rejoiced at the arrival of the twin prince and princess, the next heirs to the throne. King Roland was blinded by sorrow when his beloved wife fell into the plague's grasp and slipped away from this world.

My father, mother, and I lived in a small village by the lake Alcon. My father had a plan to move his shoe-making business to a small town in Enchancia, the village right next to the castle. It was truly beautiful there, the flowers were in bloom, and everything seemed to be just right. My parents bought a two-story shop, the perfect size for a family of three. There was only one room upstairs, divided by a hanging curtain. The section next to the window was mine, and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

I remember waking up at the crack of dawn just to watch the sunrise over the beautiful castle. As the newly risen sun projected bright pinks and oranges across the morning sky, my father crept in. "Are you ready my little sugar plum?" We walked hand and hand to the coach with the royal crest parked outside our door. It was dad's first job at the palace, and although it was not for a royal, we hoped word would spread about our remarkable shoes.

The beautiful trees and flowers quickly glided past my window. I was so excited to finally arrive at the castle. It was so much bigger in person than from my bedroom window. "Close your mouth princess" father whispers in my ear. I couldn't help myself, I was trying to picture living in a place as big as this. He takes my hand as we were guided to a room bigger than our entire house! A clicking sound echoed off the magnificent walls following each step I took.

Father takes a tall man named Baileywick's measurements. I turn around and peek into the long hall. I  glimpse at a small figure being escorted into another room. Her movement was as graceful as a swan. Each step she took was so natural gliding across the marble floor. Her dress was a luxurious blue color with all kinds of gems elegantly arranged. Her tiara looked so heavy, but never the less, she held her head high. Her blonde hair flowed down her shoulders so perfectly. Everything about her was stunning. That must be Princess Amber. I thought to myself. She only looked about two or three years older than me, but our actions are so far apart. I am clumsy and often walk with a hunch. If only I looked like her.

"Time to go Sofia!" My father says breaking me out of my trance. I say goodbye to the exquisite castle walls and we ride back to our creaky old house. "Sofia," father starts. "I want you to remember something," his face becomes serious as he takes my small hands in his. "I know the royal life looks perfect, but I need you to remember something. Your mother and I have worked for everything we've got. And that's some of the best happiness in the world. Never forget that." I smile at him as we reach the village. "I could never be cooped up in a stuffy castle like that. I need to spread my wings and fly. I need to be free."

Dad's longing for adventure only grew. He got so tired of making shoes every day, that after endless nights of arguing with my mother, he finally left.

"Please," My mother begs one final time. "Don't do this" He whips a tear from her cheek.

"Miranda, my love. This is something I have to do."

He bends down on one knee and stares into my glossy eyes. "Wh- what if you don't come home?" I ask, tears streaming down my face. He brings my shaking body into his for one final hug.

"That's not going to happen my little sugar plum." He whispers into my ear as he slips a gold ring into my pocket.

"Until I see you again." He shouts boarding the Royal Navy. My mom and I stayed to watch him sail away across the sea. Little did we know that would be the last time we saw him.

The weeks following my father's departure where unmanageably dreadful. A violent storm raised over the water and the Royal Navy was swallowed up by the raging sea. It took my now family of two an incredible amount of time to adjust.

How can a mother tell her daughter that she's never going to see her father again? I was traumatized, I think we both were. I would sit on my windowsill for hours, just admiring the golden ring with the words My little sugar plum engraved on the band.

Years later  King Roland fell in love with my mother. She promised me a better life at the castle, but I couldn't help but think of those distant memories of my father. I would give anything for him to take me off to sea with him.